No tricks, just treats: Staying safe in tonight's Halloween downpour

The rain won't stop tonight's Halloween festivities, but a little planning goes a long way.

Whether you're taking the kids trick-or-treating through the neighborhood, heading to a Halloween bash, or just running errands tonight, wet weather brings extra safety concerns that everyone should keep in mind.

Here's how to make sure your Halloween stays fun and safe, no matter what you're doing.

For Trick-or-Treaters and Families

• Light up like a jack-o-lantern. Reflective tape, glow sticks, and flashlights are your best friends on dark, rainy streets. Make sure kids are visible from all angles, especially since wet roads mean longer stopping distances for drivers.
• Waterproof those costumes. A rain jacket doesn't ruin the look if you plan for it. Choose costumes that can layer over warm, waterproof clothing, or incorporate umbrellas and rain gear into the costume itself. A soggy superhero is a cold superhero.
• Watch your step. Wet leaves are slippery, puddles hide uneven pavement, and costumes can drag in the water. Take your time on stairs and walkways, and help younger kids navigate tricky spots.
• Bring a bag that won't fall apart. Canvas totes or waterproof bags work better than paper or thin plastic in the rain. Nobody wants to watch their candy haul spill across the sidewalk.
• Test makeup and face paint beforehand. Rain will turn regular face paint into a drippy mess. Use waterproof products if possible, and maybe skip the elaborate designs this year.

For Party-Goers and Social Gatherings

• Plan your route before you go. Know exactly how you're getting there and back. Book a ride in advance if you're drinking, because wait times will be longer on Halloween night.
• Dress for the weather you'll face outside. That amazing costume might be perfect indoors, but you'll regret it during the walk from the car or the wait for your ride. Bring a jacket you can check at the door.
• Stay aware of your surroundings. Rain, darkness, and distractions make for dangerous combinations. Keep your phone charged, stay with friends, and pay attention when you're moving between venues.
• Watch your alcohol intake. Slippery conditions and impaired judgment don't mix well. Pace yourself, eat before you drink, and make sure someone in your group is staying sober.

For Drivers and Errand-Runners

• Slow down in residential areas. Kids are excited and distracted tonight, and they might dart into the street without looking. Wet roads mean you need even more time to stop.
• Turn on your headlights early. Visibility drops fast on rainy evenings. Make sure other people can see you, and use low beams in heavy rain to avoid glare.
• Give pedestrians extra space. Crosswalks might be harder to see, and people in costumes might not be paying attention to traffic. Assume someone might step out at any moment.
• Clear your windows completely. Fogged-up windows and rain-covered mirrors make it harder to spot trick-or-treaters. Take an extra minute to defog and adjust your mirrors before you start driving.
• Avoid puddles near pedestrians. Nobody wants to get splashed by a passing car. Slow down around puddles, especially if people are walking on the shoulder.

General Safety Reminders

• Charge your phone before heading out. You might need it for navigation, communication, or emergencies, and cold, wet weather drains batteries faster.
• Check the forecast one more time. Conditions can change quickly. Know if heavier rain or wind is expected later in the evening.
• Look out for each other. Halloween is a community event. Help a neighbor carry their little one's candy bag, offer to walk someone to their car, or just keep an eye out for people who might need assistance.

Rain doesn't have to ruin Halloween. With a little preparation and common sense, tonight can still be just as fun and memorable as any other year. Stay safe, stay dry, and enjoy the spooky season.

Staying In Tonight? Here Are the Best Halloween Movies to Stream

If you're skipping the trick-or-treating and settling in for a cozy night at home, we've got you covered with some excellent Halloween movie recommendations.

Family-Friendly Picks:

Hocus Pocus

The Sanderson sisters never get old in this beloved classic about three witches who return to Salem on Halloween night.

Hubie Halloween

Adam Sandler's goofy love letter to the holiday, available on Netflix, follows a well-meaning but eccentric volunteer who becomes an unlikely hero.

Casper

Friendly ghosts and heartwarming moments make this perfect for younger kids who want Halloween fun without the scares.

The Addams Family (1991)

The original film version is still the best, bringing the delightfully macabre family to life with perfect casting and quotable lines.

Halloweentown

A Disney Channel classic about a girl discovering her magical heritage in a town where Halloween is every day.

Twitches

Twin witches separated at birth reunite on their 21st birthday to save their magical kingdom in this fun, lighthearted adventure.

Indie Horror and Mind-Bending Thrillers:

Coherence

A low-budget sci-fi thriller about a dinner party that takes a strange turn during a cosmic event. This mind-bending film will have you questioning reality without relying on jump scares or gore.

Baghead (2008)

The Duplass Brothers' mumblecore horror-comedy about four aspiring filmmakers at a cabin who are stalked by someone wearing a bag over their head. It blends awkward indie humor with genuinely unsettling moments.

The Invitation

A tense psychological thriller about a man attending a dinner party hosted by his ex-wife and her new husband. Slow-building dread and paranoia make this a masterclass in suspense.

It Follows

A unique horror premise about a supernatural entity that relentlessly pursues its victims. Atmospheric and creepy with a synth-heavy soundtrack that sets the mood perfectly.

The Endless

Two brothers return to the cult they escaped from years ago, only to discover something genuinely strange is happening. A smart, unsettling film that plays with time and reality.

Modern Horror Classics for Genuine Scares:

Hereditary

A deeply unsettling family tragedy that descends into supernatural horror. Trigger warning: intense psychological horror, disturbing imagery, and themes of family trauma and grief.

Midsommar

A daylight nightmare set at a Swedish festival that takes a dark turn. Trigger warning: graphic violence, disturbing ritualistic content, and depictions of relationship abuse.

Get Out

Jordan Peele's brilliant social thriller about a Black man visiting his white girlfriend's family. Contains intense scenes and violence, but delivers sharp commentary alongside the scares.

The Witch

A slow-burn period horror set in 1630s New England that builds dread through atmosphere and paranoia. Features religious themes and disturbing content.

A Quiet Place

Creature horror that keeps you on the edge of your seat as a family survives in silence. Tense throughout but relatively restrained on gore compared to other modern horror films.

I apologize that I don't know which streaming platforms most of these are currently available on, but YouTube Movies is often a good place to start your search.

Many of these titles rotate between Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney Plus, and other services, so it's worth checking what you already have access to before renting.

Happy watching, and stay safe inside tonight!